Banks Power 13-17 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Ram-Air Intake System - Dry Filter

The Banks 42255-D is the dry element version of the Ram-Air cold air intake for 2013-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 6.7L Cummins. Owners pick it when they want the extra airflow and lower towing temperatures of an aftermarket intake but do not want to deal with filter oil, or when they have had a MAF sensor act up after running an over-oiled element on a previous truck.

What this intake changes on a 2013-2017 Cummins

The factory system pulls air through a compact box and a modest paper element. Banks swaps it for a sealed housing with a far larger filter and a smoother tube to the turbo compressor, and rates the system at up to 66 percent greater mass airflow than stock. Because the box is enclosed, the filter sees outside air instead of the hot air sitting around the engine. Denser charge air lets the turbo hit its boost target with less effort, which shows up as cooler exhaust gas temperature under load and a small gain in mileage.

The dry element catches dirt in the media itself without any oil film. To service it you knock out loose dirt, wash it per the Banks cleaning instructions, let it dry completely and reinstall. There is nothing to re-oil and nothing that can migrate onto the mass airflow sensor.

When the dry filter version makes sense

• You want a washable filter but never want to handle filter oil
• Your truck lives on gravel or dusty job sites and you would rather clean the element often and quickly
• You had a MAF reading problem after over-oiling a filter in the past
• Your EGTs run high when towing and the factory element is restricting airflow

Keep in mind an intake is an airflow part. If your truck is slipping, shifting late or refusing to move, look at the transmission first; our 68RFE Ram 3500 Cummins common problems guide walks through the usual failures on these trucks.

Check before you buy

Confirm the engine is the 6.7L Cummins and the body style is the 2013-2017 pickup. Inspect the factory intake tube and rubber couplers for splits, since a leak after the filter lets dirt reach the turbo regardless of which filter you run. Scan and write down any stored codes so you have a before and after record. If your truck has the Aisin six speed rather than the 68RFE, our 68RFE vs Aisin AS69RC guide explains how to tell them apart.

Fitment

Fits 2013-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups with the 6.7L Cummins diesel. CARB Executive Order D-161-126 lists 42255-D for 2013-2017 Ram with the Cummins 6.7L, so the kit is street legal in California for those model years. Banks covers 2013-2018 trucks in one install manual, but our listing and the CARB order end at 2017, so check with us before buying for a 2018. Chassis cab trucks and the 2019-up generation use different parts. If you are unsure, send us the year and VIN. Prefer a washable oiled element? The 42255 oiled filter kit is the same housing with the other filter. Transmission parts for these trucks are in our 68RFE collection.

Install notes

• Disconnect the negative cable on both batteries first.
• Banks calls for a 3/8 inch ratchet with metric sockets, standard and Phillips screwdrivers, standard and needle nose pliers, a 5/16 inch nut driver and a T-30 bit.
• Save the 13mm bolt that holds the stock box to the radiator core support.
• Transfer the Ram-Active Air actuator and forward door into the new housing. The door lever arm is fragile, so handle it gently, and do not plug in the actuator until instructed.
• Move the MAF and IAT sensors to the Banks tube, fitting the new MAF O-ring supplied in the kit, and trim the PCV hose if it kinks.
• Route hoses and wires at least 6 inches, ideally 8, from exhaust heat and moving parts, and confirm the tube is not touching the engine.

For more airflow on the pressure side, the Banks Techni-Cooler and the boost tube upgrade kit are built for the same trucks.

How do I clean the dry filter on the 42255-D?

Tap out loose dirt, wash it following the Banks cleaning instructions, let it dry completely and reinstall it. No oil is applied to a dry element.

Is the 42255-D CARB legal?

Yes. CARB Executive Order D-161-126 covers 42255-D on 2013-2017 Ram trucks with the Cummins 6.7L. Place the replacement emissions decal if your stock air box had one.

Does it fit a Ram 3500 cab and chassis?

This kit is listed for 2013-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. Send us your VIN before ordering for a cab and chassis truck.

Will the check engine light come on?

The kit reuses the factory MAF and IAT sensors in a housing designed for them and needs no tuning. Make sure both sensor connectors are fully seated and the MAF O-ring is installed.

How long does the install take?

It is a bolt-on job with hand tools. Most of the time goes into moving the Ram-Active Air actuator, door and sensors into the new housing, so read the full manual first.

• 68RFE Ram 3500 Cummins Common Problems
• 68RFE vs Aisin AS69RC Differences
• 68RFE Fluid Type and Capacity
• Aisin AS69RC Problems and Service Guide